Decision to drop Cliff Richard sex abuse investigation upheld

Officials at Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have concluded their decision not to charge Cliff Richard was “correct” and have dismissed challenges against the original ruling.
CPS officials announced in June (16) they had dropped the 22-month investigation into allegations of sex abuse made against the 75-year-old by four men, relating to alleged incidents between 1958 and 1983.
They declared there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, but their decision was challenged by two accusers, forcing to the CPS to review the investigation.
Following the review, the appeals have been dismissed, a representative for the CPS confirmed on Tuesday (27Sep16).
“The CPS subsequently received applications to review two of the charging decisions under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “In accordance with the scheme, a CPS lawyer who was not involved in the original decision-making process has completed a full review of the evidence and has concluded that the decisions not to charge were correct.”
The Living Doll singer, who previously opened up about the toll the investigation took on him and blasted police for their handling of the allegations, said he was pleased with their verdict.
“As I have said previously I’m innocent, so I’m obviously pleased with today’s CPS decision and the speed with which they reached it,” he said in a statement. “I hope that it brings this matter to a close”.